The Chronicles of Smurf – Principle 5

Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services

Day 17

Much in the human world appears inconstant and unreliable to the observant feline. Freedoms are apt to be withdrawn at a whim, without means of redress. Food and comfy snuggles may be subject to times of dearth — quite without warning.

Humans generally mean well (I think) but they are feckless creatures and easily distracted from what is important.

Only this last night I realised with horror that my food bowl was nearly empty and sought to raise the alarm, so that the household might avert catastrophe. My warning remained unheeded.

At length a pillow was thrown irresponsibly in my general direction with the admonition: ‘It’s three in the morning, Smurf!’

Tell me something I don’t know.

---

As an aside, Banjo’s food bowl is permanently empty, from five seconds after it is put in front of his moist, eager snout until his next mealtime several hours later. No sooner has he finished licking his lips than he starts casting covetous sidelong glances at my bowl, which I like to keep topped up with energy-replenishing snacks throughout the day. And night.

As Banjo cannot control his appetite, and visits to the Vet for sutures to canine noses are time-consuming and costly, the Suzy and the Harper now put my food bowl in the laundry, on the bench above the ‘Washing Machine’. However, I do not like to enter when that rumbling, roaring beast is working itself into a frenzy.

At other times it lies dormant, exhausted no doubt by its tantrums. Its maw flops agape and its breath carries the fetid smell of detergent. I keep out of its way as far as possible. I prefer to eat with the Harper holding my tail, just in case. It is good to know that someone has your back, should the Washing Machine decide to pounce.

---

Yes, the Harper has been assigned to my service — and this is a thoroughly satisfactory arrangement. He gives me extra large portions. The Suzy says that he will make me fat but I am prepared to take that risk. He also gives good snuggles, although his attention span could be longer.

In this matter I am fully in agreement with the principles of Permaculture:

Principle 5: Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services¹

However, this begs the burning question: which resources and services will be renewed?

Past experience is only a poor guide as to what might happen in the future. Only eighteen days ago, I was living happily in my own home with the Nan, enjoying my daily border disputes with Pooky the dachshund. Now this.

We live in uncertain times.

---

Next week in the Chronicles of Smurf:

Principle 6: Produce No Waste

Smurf and Banjo ponder the mysteries of the human digestive system.

---

• Featured image: author image + stock photo licensed from Canva, altered in Photoshop

1. David Holmgren is the originator of the 12 permaculture design principles.